Nobody likes to pay taxes. To this end, companies thrive on fraudulent claims such as the following:

No Taxes Withheld
Some companies will promise to stop the withholding of taxes from your paycheck. This is illegal and the employee is still responsible for the taxes owed.

Preparation Fraud
Preparers want a portion of your refund. It's that simple. Shop around for different rates and avoid all preparers promising higher refunds. They can't get you anything more than you are entitled.

Argument Without A Legal Basis
There are no secrets to taxes, only the law that supports them. Beware of promoters offering outrageous claims and secrets. You can't avoid paying rightfully owed taxes. You may be liable for civil and criminal penalties.

Identity Theft
Beware of tax correspondence, especially during tax time, asking for financial information. Always do your research on your tax preparer.

Special Refunds For Certain Classes of People
A new scam is to make African Americans believe their tax refund will be greater because they are entitled to reparations for slavery. This is just plain fraudulent. Do not pay any preparer for such a claim. If you do, you may be liable for a significant fine.

Increase Refund For A Fee
Anyone claiming to get you a higher fee can only do it illegally. They will provide false information on your W-2 or borrow you SSN to make a fraudulent claim. You will be required to payback any overpayment.

Offshore Accounts
Offshore accounts have been used for years, but if you get caught you could be in trouble. If you use any offshore financial method (transfers, banks, etc…) to under report you taxes or make a false income deductions you are violating the law

Blurring The Line Of A Home Based Business
Do not believe any promoter that says you can deduct most or all of your expenses by setting up a home-based business. If you are audited, the IRS will require a clear business purpose and profit motive, which you will not be able to show.

If you feel you have been the victim of fraud and/or identity theft please call the Law Office of Harold D. Thompson today at 619.615.0767 or contact us online.